As I wrote last week, there comes a point where I feel myself being drained by all the Christmas stuff that is going on. Certain Christmas things can be reenergizing though. Near the top of the list is the music. But not all Christmas music. I find a few specific selections tend to refuel my tank.
Today's sample is a classic Christmas hymn that can send chills down your spine if a great vocalist is singing it (David Phelps and CeCe Winans are to recent examples). And yet the heart of this song is worship. Even more specifically, it's a call for people to worship together - corporate worship.
The best version to capture all of that is one I know I've featured here before. Chris Tomlin, from his Christmas album of ten years ago - "Glory in the Highest":
We are unpacking Isaiah's prophecy of a coming King in 9:6-7 in our Advent sermon series, so even though it surprised me a bit, this song was very fitting. Jesus embodied each of Isaiah's royal titles in a unique way and he certainly continues to embody the king who reigns and will reign forevermore.
We'll keep our feature of Best Covers Ever going for a few more weeks. Today, we'll feature some classic covers of Christmas songs - three in fact by three different artists. We certainly could include choirs and larger ensembles, but I landed on three individual artists whose renditions of familiar carols stick out to me. First up, Chris Tomlin and "O Holy Night".
I featured this over 5 years ago and everything I thought then still stands. This song has been done excellently by some greatperformers, but I absolutely LOVE how his rendition invites us to sing it as a song of praise, which is what it is. Next, I'm going to break the rule I established for the song above. Beyonce's version of "Silent Night" is a performance. But it is a great one at that as she gives us a glimpse of her black-church-gospel-music roots with this version:
Finally, let's jump from "Queen B" to the CCM queen and queen of Christian Christmas music, Amy Grant. This version of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is a bit of a compromise between Tomlin's contemporary corporate worship and Beyonce's solo performance. A great version with enough newness to keep you from switching to auto-pilot while listening or singing along.
At the end of this blog, I'll post a music selection for this week. But I wanted to feature something else this week. Last Friday I sent out a bunch of tweets regarding biblical interpretation and theological discussions. It seemed to be well received but because of the character limits and the format of Twitter, the entirety of my rant was hard to follow. So, thanks to one friend's suggestion, I'm posting it as a whole here. I am likely to add some short additions but I hope you enjoy and maybe even are provoked to think deeper on these things. ----------------------- I've been in ministry around 15 years with a M.Div that was 90+ credits. But the most helpful theological instruction I ever received was something I got early on in my first Systematic Theology class when I believe I was a freshman in college. What follows is from the late Dr. Dave Plaster. There are levels of authority/certainty when it comes to asserting theological truth. To quote Dr. Plaster, "An understanding of where a statement rests in authority helps us to determine our attitude towards others who disagree with us." "(The level) does not mean we do not hold various statements with conviction even when others disagree...but we should avoid a 'flat' theology which does not distinguish between levels of authority."
These are the 6 levels: 1. Direct Statements of Scripture.
These carry the greatest weight of authority. The plain statements of God's Word offer us doctrinal truths that should be non-negotiable. But let's be sure these essential truths are not interpretations. 2. Direct Implications from Scripture.
These are very substantially established truths from Scripture but are implications (maybe even applications) and not always 100% directly stated in the Bible. 3. Probable Implications of Scripture.
These are inferences drawn tentatively. Some evidence is probable but these are theological statements not totally provable from the Bible. 4. Inductive Conclusions from Scripture.
This is where statements/beliefs come from the overall data of Scripture with lots of deducing. There is less direct Biblical evidence being employed. 5. Conclusions inferred from General Revelation.
These involve assertions that come from nature, science, and non-biblical wisdom/knowledge. Dr. Plaster taught that if the clear Biblical truth is opposed to this "General Revelation", the Biblical position should be taken. 6. Outright speculations.
These are theological statements that could possibly be derived from obscure references in the Word. The early levels will have more direct ties to a lot of Scripture, but this will lessen the further down the continuum one goes.
Also, we should hold firmly to Level 1 truths, but loosen our grip the further we go. For example, I will never compromise on faith in Jesus Christ as God's way of salvation. That's Level 1. I would die for that.
But I am not willing to risk my life on whether or not the Church will live through a 7 year literal tribulation in the end times. That is more a Level 4 (maybe 3) truth, mostly because there is plenty of biblical data for different viewpoints. These levels are important to think through for a lot of other issues of course. When life begins, Human Sexuality, Creation vs. Evolution, the reality of Heaven/Hell, and Eternal Security are all popular hot-button topics that even people outside the faith engage in at times. These topics need to be viewed through the lense of these levels, even before we ardently defend our views on them.
I have seen more basic versions of these levels of interpretations - where core doctrine is differentiated from traditional dogma which is differentiated from personal preference. But I appreciate this more-specific lens through which to look at theology. We will better understand our own beliefs and better engage in discussions if we accurately assess what level our positions come from.
Good reminders for us all, thanks Dr. Plaster.
-------------
As promised, here's a musical selection for anyone who has persevered this far. This song is directly connected to my sermon from Sunday, which was out of Isaiah 24-26.
It's by a well-known worship artist, Chris Tomlin but it is not one of his popular tunes. I fell in love with it off of his "Live from Austin Music Hall" album of 2004. The cool thing about it is that it features David Crowder and really improves on the original.
A tempo change in the live version plus addition of the lyric "Jesus, Lord and Savior" within the chorus were perfect ways to improve the song - at least in my opinion.
As a pastor, one goal I have each Sunday is to leave the people hungry for more. Hungry for more of Jesus and His Word, more of worship and fellowship with the people of God. Well, yesterday I made them hungry in a more literal sense. We were studying the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in John 6. Jesus took 5 loaves and 2 fish and abundantly provided for this mass of people. But in the aftermath of the miracle, it became clear that there was a larger point. In verses 22-71, Jesus debates and discusses with the people the reality that he is the Bread of Life. He is true food from heaven, not meant to satisfy our bellies but our very souls. To accentuate this story, I remembered an idea from a seminary preaching class and I had some helpers bake Pillsbury rolls in our oven during my sermon. I should mention that our kitchen is right next to the sanctuary and they propped the door open a little and turned a fan on to waft the fragrance of baking bread through our sanctuary. Afterward a number of people made comments that it was really effective in causing them hunger pains. As to whether I made the proper theological connections and applications, you can judge for yourself here. But I wanted to highlight a song that captures the crux of John 6. Though it's not about 'bread', this Tomlin classic does extol the truth that Jesus is more than enough for all our wants and needs. He provides and gives us life. He is more awesome than we can even know.
"Joy to the World" is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all-time. I don't have any metrics or surveys to back that statement up, but I feel pretty same in making that point. Some in my particular camp of conservative evangelicalism have objected to it's theology, it's implicit theology. They disagreed with the theological point of view of the author and claimed that it's lyrics were not a true reflection of God's (dispensational) plan. I've always found those arguments wanting and I've become more and more perturbed that those leaders and scholars were nit-picking a beautiful song that extent. I'm all for good theology, but why make a mountain out of a mole-hill and why over-analyze poetry? They weren't the only ones or the first ones to do so as it turns out. Anyway, I've fell in love with this song again, specifically to this particular modern version by Chris Tomlin:
It's all about JOY. The JOY that Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and rule bring. JOY!
We tackled Isaiah 7 yesterday as continued to look at the clues or 'whispers of love' that God gave his people in the Old Testament about their coming Messiah.
Isaiah 7 is one of the most scrutinized passages in all of Scripture, especially given it's 'fulfillment' in Matthew 1:18-25. - Who is the virgin? - Who was this child? - Is it exclusively predicting Jesus' birth? - What bearing did it have on the original recipients, especially King Ahaz?
I'm not sure I handled it perfectly, but I am confident our people walked away with a better understanding of the original context and it's relevance to the Christmas story. Beyond that, I am also hopeful that they were able to wrap their arms around the important truth that God is with us.
"Immanuel" was the name that predicted child was to be given. It literally means 'God with us' and I believe it had a symbolic meaning to the original context of Isaiah 7. But I also believe it was pointing ahead to that glorious day when "God became flesh and dwelt among us."
God being with us makes all the difference. When national and global chaos meet the reality that God is with us, we are given a sure hope of all things being worked out in God's plan. When personal troubles are confronted by God with us, we are given comfort and strength to persevere. When spiritual struggles collide with God with us, we are given a clean slate as well as the power of the Spirit to overcome our own frailties.
As I shared in yesterday's sermon, I am a little OCD when it comes to the holidays.
By that I mean that I get annoyed when stores stock their shelves with Christmas stuff in early November. I also quickly switch radio stations when I hear Christmas carols before Thanksgiving.
But now that we have enjoyed our turkey, stuffing, and the other elements of our large meals with families, we can look ahead to decorative trees, colorful lights, snowmen, gifts, and more large meals with our families. And of course I can now allow my OCD-self to enjoy Christmas music. I do have to consciously 'flip the switch' in my mind in a way, but I also have to consciously guard against letting the trees, lights, gifts, and family get-togethers from getting in the way of the true meaning of this holiday.
Thankfully the best Christmas music makes this exercise a little easier. The best Christmas music is worshipful and Christ-focused. A new single out on Chris Tomlin's Christmas Album is both of those things. It features new-ish artist Lauren Daigle absolutely nailing the uplifting vocals on this re-invented version of 'Noel'.
If that can't get you in the proper Christmas mood, there's something wrong with you.
You'll have to forgive me for having Revelation on the brain, but we're just wrapping up a sermon series in that book. And as I've been preparing for it, I've come to a greater appreciation for how the book unfolds and what it is communicating. We finished the book yesterday, looking at 22:6-21. Even if you take just a cursory glance at that passage, it's hard to miss the fact that three times, Jesus declares "I am coming soon!" And the Church responds at the very end "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." While there are important specific responsibilities based on this key overriding message, this week's song selection ties directly into the fact that Jesus is coming again soon.
This is a new song from Passion 2015 that I've already heard on the radio multiple times. It captures the essence the conclusion of Revelation, expressing a desire for His return and a commitment to be ready.
This week's song selection is a popular tune that's over ten years old but still holds a top-five ranking of most popular worship songs of our day. Below is a live version that effortlessly incorporates its thematic parent, "How Great Thou Art". I anticipate us singing it this coming Sunday as it naturally connects with our sermon series subject matter, especially as we focus on the beginning and end of Revelation which both describe our victorious and great King.
In our contemporary worship context, a ten year-old song is 'ancient'. But I find it refreshing how even a familiar song can have new life breathed into it with creative arrangements and alterations.
As a new 'old school' worship song that's being overlooked as a classic, I must admit that I haven't always like this song. I can't exactly tell you why, but as someone who is naturally sarcastic it may have to do with the fact that I find it ironic that some worship leaders can play a song called "Forever" for what seems like forever. My opinion changed after I purchased this album that contains the version of the song in the above video. It is probably my favorite worship CD top to bottom and it put the song in a context that led me to re-evaluate my judgement. Truthfully though, I also find it unusual to get all pumped up about God's eternality. It's something my mind can't really grasp and thus makes it that much harder to relate to. But the awesome thing about God and His Word is, the more you meditate on Him, the more you appreciate all that He is. Psalm 102 is one special passage that helped me understand this divine attribute in a better way:
25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.
When I was growing up, I was not a perfect child. That sentence probably shocks those of you who know me, but even though I gave my life to Christ at an early age and wanted to please God, I often failed and sinned. And when I got caught, shame and sorrow would set in my heart. I remember one time when we lived in Merrywood Trailer Court, my dad told me not to kick my soccer ball towards our neighbor's trailer because it would dent in their plastic siding around the bottom of their mobile home. Well, I didn't obey and continued to play how I wanted to until my dad noticed the 'damage' I'd done. He sternly confronted me and probably spanked me - though that wasn't the most traumatic part of the episode (I don't even remember if he did or not). What the worst part of the whole thing was he made me go to our neighbors and personally apologize for messing up their siding. The siding could easily be popped back in - but that's beside the point - I had directly disobeyed and damaged someone else's property. I said I was sorry and they accepted my apology and I made sure I never did that again. Getting caught and the shame of personally apologizing led to me repenting. That's how a lot of life is - negative consequences warn us to avoid certain behaviors. From speeding tickets to IRS audits to personal relationships - our behaviors are often guided by avoiding and minimizing bad consequences. All of those sorts of examples make Romans 2:4 and the above song feel like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day. God certainly warns us of negative consequences throughout Scripture, but He also is just as forceful with Grace. When properly grasped within our souls, His Kindness will bring us to repentance. It's His Love that is better than anything else in life.
After the Flood, in Genesis 9, God established his covenant with Noah and all of his creation:
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:9 “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you10 and
with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock
and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with
you—every living creature on earth.11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”
God promises never to destroy the earth with a world-wide flood. He signifies His enduring promise with the rainbow:
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."
God's promises never fail and His Word endures forever. I was reminded of this Chris Tomlin song as I studied up on Genesis 9. Beyond just the promise of safety from a flood though, the Rainbow also prompts me to think of Christ and the New Covenant He established in the New Testament.
Both the Noahic Covenant and the New Covenant (Luke 22:20-22) are symbolized by visual aids: The Rainbow and the Bread & Cup. Both are promises of 'wrath-avoidance'. Noah's dealt with the Flood and the New Covenant deals more directly with the spiritual condemnation that we deserve because of our sins. Both are beautiful promises of God's grace and salvation.
"Give Thanks to our Lord, Our God and King - His love endures forever!"
I am not going to preach through the entire book, but rather the beginning of this book of beginnings (chapters 1-11).The
stories we will cover in this series attract attention and debate
because of their miraculously incredible content. While some people
criticize their historicity, others embark on mountaineering expeditions to search for a really old and really big boat. Genesis seems to be a magnet for debate but these much debated passages are foundational to the entire story of redemption that God reveals to us in His Word.
So as we study these incredible accounts of God's work at the beginning of time, I thought we'd concurrently use the weekly "Music Monday" feature to highlight songs that are inspired by Genesis or speak of it's truths.
For our first feature, I picked a song that has gotten lost in Chris Tomlin's ever-growing and impressive catalog of worship music. Indescribable beautifully calls us to worship because of God's wondrous
and powerful work of Creation, detailed of course in Genesis 1-2:
I've run out of ideas when it comes to themes for Music Mondays. So today, I thought I'd go with a song that's been getting stuck in my head. It's especially appropriate for the current sermon series in Daniel:
Daniel's message communicates the hope we have in our God. It reminds us over and over that God is faithful and in control. God is the light of all and all that we need, because he will bring deliverance for His people. Can't get enough of this song, admittedly because virtually all the heavy hitters of the current worship scene are playing together.
"O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song of all time. It's not even close. The verses beautifully describe the wonder and spiritual significance of that event over 2000 years ago.
There have been better sung versions of this song, but Chris Tomlin's resonates with me the best. It's not the classical arrangement, but it's more temporary tune lines up perfectly with my personal preferences. So I present this week's revised hymn via youtube:
Click here for a version that skips straight to the song.
This week's re-mixed hymn is one I consider to be vastly underrated. In fact, it may be the most underrated hymn in our hymnals today.
Charles Gabriel wrote "I Stand Amazed" well into his prolific song writing career. His was a career that saw him work with Billy Sunday and Homer Rodeheaver - the Billy Graham and George Beverly Shea of the early 1900's.
If this source is correct, this beautiful song that praises Jesus' sacrifice was very personal to Gabriel, who earlier in his life had his first marriage end in divorce. The song rejoices in the precious forgiveness we have in the Cross and the incredible dedication Jesus had as he demonstrated God's love for us.
The song itself is made up of 5 verses, focusing on our unworthiness, the torturous hours leading up to Christ's death, and also the future privilege that will be ours to praise Him for His substitutionary sacrifice for us.
I couldn't find a live video of Chris Tomlin singing this, but I did find the video below with audio mixed with the lyrics and background images. As one who spent years running PowerPoint and video for worship services, I normally get really annoyed at typo's within the presentation. This song has one that repeatedly comes up, but it doesn't really bother me all that much due to the nature of what the typo is and the focus of the song overall.
Specifically I like this version of the hymn because of the way Tomlin controls the pace of the song. You might anticipate that the song is over after he sings through the second verse (which is actually verse 4). The crowd in the audio seems to think so. But he builds it back up and comes back with verse 5, appropriately casting our vision on our future in heaven, when "His face I at last shall see". This is excellent worship leading.
